Dear everyone:
It's about time I posted a new update on the blog site. With FaceBook, I stay connected with everyone and forget about the blog!
Since August, we have been enjoying the weather here in Florida. We been picking oranges, lemons and grapefruit. I have lemons/oranges in my backyard and they are all so delicious. Next year, I should have my own pineapple...so far, I've managed to keep it alive and healthy.
The church is growing and more and more of our church family are getting involved with discipleship, service and ministry. Next year, we kick off our small groups and we are excited about that.
Here's whats been happening lately:
September:
We went to KC to visit the kids and had a nice time with all our friends celebrating Mark's report of no cancer. Of course, he gets tested from time to time during this first year to make sure the report stays good -- so far, so good! It was great to see everyone and catch up on life with them. Its always good to spend time with Ryan, Megan and our grandkids.
I celebrated my 50th b-day with my girlfriends while in KC and what fun that was.On the 29th, I had a b-day party here in Jax with our friends. We had great food and fellowship and my cake was so delicious!
October:
During October, it seems I went back and forth to Jacksonville, NC to help Amy. Neal left for DC and his new job in September, Amy got really sick with e-coli so I went up to see about her....then right when I got home, London got sick, so back to NC! I'm really blessed to be able to go and I love being with them.
We also took some time off with Connie and Kevin to do some 2010 planning for the year. We went to Boca Raton and while there, spent some time with Mike and Shannon Horsley...we always love seeing them.
November:
We've had people visit every month, but during November, Patrice, Julia and their boys got to stay a couple of days with us. That was a pleasant surprise and we loved entertaining our French connection!
Neal, Amy, London, Irma and Margaret came for Thanksgiving. We had a great meal together and then celebrated London's first birthday on Friday. But....on Friday night, London started to get really sick and by Saturday he was in the hospital at Wolfson's Children Hospital here in Jax. He had a horrible viral infection but after 5 days in the hospital, he was dismissed and quickly regained his strength. We felt bad for Irma and Margaret having to spend their time like this at the hospital, but all of us felt blessed to be together, being able to help the kids and we did get a lot of family time!!! Amy and Neal (Neal had to leave Tuesday evening) were able to extend their stay, London got great care and on December 5th, Amy and London returned home safely.
December:
Mark's parent's are here with us now and we are glad they were able to come and visit. On the 15th, we'll leave Jax and travel across the state west to Destin and have a big McGaughey family reunion with Mark's sisters and some of his aunts, uncles, neices and nephews. We are looking forward to staying at a big beach house altogether.
I entered a contest here in Jax that is doing the 12 days of Christmas drinks - so I entered one I make called Jingle Juice - and won! So I'll get to be on the Good Morning Jacksonville December 15th and make my drink live...isn't that hilarious! Mark fishes whenever he can and seems to always catch fish! We enjoy life here for sure.
Megan graduated from her internship on Dec. 4th and we are so proud of her...she finished her courses dispite having a broken neck! Ryan is finishing his masters in his field of work. Kennedy and Farrell are running the place while their parents go to college :)
Neal and Amy are both busy with life. Neal loves DC and is going to college while working and Amy is looking forward to getting out of the Marines in July. They will spend Christmas together in DC....what a beautiful place to be during the holidays....our nations capitol!
We hope all of you are doing well, staying healthy and finding ways to use your life to extend the love of Christ. This Christmas season, our church is doing the 12 days of Christmas and each day beginning December 13th, we'll be doing a project and giving back to our community. It's going to be fun and a time to give back to those who need encouragement or a helping hand "up"!
We miss seeing those of you who are far from us, but you're never far from our hearts and minds. We pray that you'll have a wonderful holiday with friends and family. Let us hear from you too.
Big hugs to all.
Cathy and Mark
PS: My mom and dad send their greeting to all of you....my dad keeps hangin' in there, he's about the same, but has days where it seems he is slowly getting worse...keep them both in your prayers. His spirits are always good and you know my mom...she's the best!!
